The "Don't Go There" Kids Modelling Agency Register

[BreithCuidiu]

In order to help unsuspecting parents avoid the costs of registering their children with modelling and talent agents,I thought I'd set this up so that parents can educate themselves and makeup their own minds prior to parting with hard earned,much needed cash.

Please feel free to add your experiences:

Bettina - A "Sales Rep" called constantly asking when my son would be registering, even stating that they had interest in him for work. Funnythat. I hadn't sent any photos...

Bright Stars - I did my homework and found MANY families who had been duped.Theyhave hundreds,if not thousands of children on their books. Not many of them have received any work.

[MrsMiggins]

Bright Stars may have hundreds or perhaps thousands of children on their "books", however as I was informed by a staff member I spoke to there when booking my children in for an interview, their main focus is on training children in the industry & not actually gaining work for them. Although they do act as an agency & do actually gain work for the children who go there, they inform you very clearly when making your initial enquiry that they do NOT guarantee work.

I was interested in them purely for the classes as I think my children would benefit from them. Both of them (although DD in particular) are very outgoing & confident. I don't want them to lose that, hence the classes.

[rclark]

Hi would like to add to this.

As a professional video and stills photographer, there are many Modeling scams out there that bring in unsuspecting people and take lots of dollars from them, with no guarantee of work.

I have done some research into this and I hope this information is helpful.

The main idea of any reputable modeling agency, is to find work for people. They do this by showing portfolios to potential clients. A portfolio is a collection of the persons work experience. Some model agencies will ask to see an image of your child for potential work and then request you to pay $$'s for a photo shoot to see if your child's image suits the agencies requirements. This photo shoot can sometimes be a way for the agency to make some money, but your child may never see any work. A portfolio is NOT necessary or a Photo shoot is not required if the Child has never worked before. Nor do you have to go to their required photographer, who may charge you "hate to think $$'s".

For an initial assessment, a basic snapshot is all that is most likely required. You can take that yourself.

Most reputable agencies work on making $$ on the model when they get contracted out. Not the other way around.

To have you listed on their books should not cost you anything. Besides, reputable firms know what image works for them. They shouldn't ask for a booking fee or web photo listing fee. If they do, I would suggest asking for their contract charts, their client list, testimonials and where do I go for initial free appointment/assessment. If they still insist on wanting your money upfront with only a promise. Walk away.

There are reputable companies out there that will generally find work for your child. They have a criteria and there are plenty of potential models to choose from. You may have to accept the idea that your child may not have the required criteria for that particular agency. But keep asking and searching if you think it is worth the effort.

My suggestion is not to pay anything upfront. Do your research and don't be persuaded by pressure or payment first.

A note about training. I have found some modeling schools, do not know how to train Models. I am constantly surprised by seeing models, not being able to walk, lack confidence and more importantly unable to hold themselves.

If your child is young, the training should be taught for the work they have been booked to do. The experience gained from that should be invaluable. Another suggestion is to teach your children dance, get them into acting schools, drama, theater.

These are life skills and have a greater impact on a potential model career if that is what you are serious about with your child.

Please, the information here is my thoughts and experience. It is only to offer help and suggest to you to use your own discernment.


Rob

[Penthesilea]

Bettina pursued us for my three girls - I declined.

When we went to see them they mostly talked about the security of the website - rang alarm bells for me. And I just don't want my kids modeling (working in advertising or having their photos taken and distributed).

[seadog]

[quote=rclark;2736646]Hi would like to add to this.

As a professional video and stills photographer, there are many Modeling scams out there that bring in unsuspecting people and take lots of dollars from them, with no guarantee of work.

I could not agree more Rob, I too am a photographer and it seems to me some of these places are simply trying to rip you off for photos. On the subject of photographs be careful of SOME of those offering "No studio fees", lets face it at the end of the day a photographer needs to make a quid so if there is no studio fee you can bet the prints will be highly priced. Make sure you get an all in price!

However back to the subject at hand, the paying on an annual fee is madness, the agent SHOULD be on some form of commission - you dont get paid then neither do they, best way to keep them keen enough to be looking for work for you. The other point is that with the kinds of fees some of them charge annually you have no way of even making your fees back unless you are one of the few that might manage 6 or 7 shoots in that period.

Ron

[BreithCuidiu]

Bright Stars may have hundreds or perhaps thousands of children on their "books", however as I was informed by a staff member I spoke to there when booking my children in for an interview, their main focus is on training children in the industry & not actually gaining work for them. Although they do act as an agency & do actually gain work for the children who go there, they inform you very clearly when making your initial enquiry that they do NOT guarantee work.

I was interested in them purely for the classes as I think my children would benefit from them. Both of them (although DD in particular) are very outgoing & confident. I don't want them to lose that, hence the classes.

The classes are definitely a good school holiday pr9ogram. My dd will be going to one this term. However, you should not have to pay an upfront fee for access to classes. We don't. We just ring up before the holidays and go. If by some chance the agency star spot a kid in the class, then they should have the opportunity to join the agency for free as the agency will make money as a commission anyway.

Head shots you should pay for IF you get to keep them as well. You should not have to pay for head shots for several different agencies. This is also a money making scam that they use on unsuspecting parents.

[maddoxsmum]

I would like to talk to someone reputable. Thanks!

[bradyhollymum]

I was contacted by three agencies "Bettinas, Brightstars and Brats". I got the "OMG, my kids is so wonderful" moment and made the appointments to see them. The first two didnt ask for money upfront until I was "accepted" BUT Brats asked for $100 from my credit card as soon as I accepted the appointment, then if he was accepted they wanted another $395 on th eday. If I canceled the appointment with less than five days before the appointment they would keep the $100.

Well I called to cancel all three after reading this forum over the weekend and the first two were fine but "Brats" hung up on me twice, because they said I was being rude for asking when my $100 would be put back on my credit card. The rude part was apparently me saying that I didnt want a cheque mailed to me I woul like it put back on my credit card as that was how I paid. She said it couldnt be done for accounting reasons, so I said ok when will it be mailed back to which she replied, I will give it to the accountant today so sometime after that. Then she said you are so rude and hung up.

So I rang back and said that I was quite entitled to ask about the refund arrangements of my $100, and that just because I was asking didnt make me a rude person. So she hung up again.

My opinion dont ever go near this agency.

[MissSparkle]

We signed up DS1 with ******* awhile back and on the day of the initial interview they raved about him etc...the usual stuff and said if we were to sign him up there was a casting that afternoon that they wanted him to go to. We caved and said ok...paid $400 and took him to the casting. He had a photo shoot a few weeks later that was terrible. After that we heard nothing for the entire year. After 11months I received a letter asking if we wanted to renew! WTF...

[rclark]

Please note these are purely my opinions and no advice or suggestion should be taken without proper consultation and discernment.

It appears that many people have had a bad experiences with model agencies. It would be interesting to hear from anyone who has had success from one?

As a footnote to my previous post. I wish to underline and even add a suggestion to those who might be considering modeling for their children.

To put it straight, and I don't mean to offend anyone, but modeling, primarily, is about selling a product, not necessarily about your child.

We need to be clear here that even if you think your child is the best looking kid around.. and what parent doesn't think that! To simply believe that this is all it takes, may lead you to a place of frustration, futility and wasted expense. The suitability of whether a child 'has what it takes' is usually judged by others, not necessarily by you. It would be prudent to check with other professionals, not necessarily model agencies first.

Ultimately it is the client that determines what image will work for them. Out of the thousands that may be on offer, not everyone will be suitable for that client, or product.

The question I would like to put forward here, and I think it would be something to ask yourself honestly about.

"What is my motivation in submitting my child to a model agency?"

To identify the answer may help to discern the path that needs to be taken. The prospect of earning lots of $$ could be crushed, by the short term outlay of the same amount.

It would also be prudent to leave your credit card / cheque book at home, when doing your research.

Some agencies require your child to be totally exclusive with them. This means that whilst you have an agreement, you can not seek another agent for work. So if work is not guaranteed nor forthcoming, you can't go elsewhere until released from the original agreement.

Another consideration- don't put all your eggs into one basket. Model agencies are not the only place to consider. Look in areas of theatre, dance and TV. For example, there is a small film industry craving for people. Even though financially, it may not amount to much, but the experience and network of people gained, may be invaluable. It sounds like the suggestion of getting a modeling role is a bit hit and miss., but also consider the other avenues wisely too.

Consider the correct training of your child as an investment. It goes with the job. It may take hard work, time and and yes..money. But wouldn't you rather invest into the long term future of your child than into something that offers little guarantee in the short.


Rob